The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the death of a 35-year-old zoo worker, Babaji Daule, who was killed by a lion at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta on Saturday.
In a statement on Sunday, police spokesperson Omolola Odutola disclosed that the tragic incident occurred due to negligence on the part of the handler, who failed to properly secure the lion’s enclosure before feeding the animal.
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“A deadly incident involving a wild animal attack has been reported by the Area Commander Metro… that a 35-year-old man named Babaji Daule from Bauchi State, who is a trained handler of a male lion at the Zoological Garden in OOPL Abeokuta, tragically lost his life,” she stated.
Odutola further explained that Daule’s failure to lock the cage allowed the lion to escape, attacking him and causing fatal injuries to his neck. His body was later taken to the mortuary at Ijaye General Hospital, and the lion was shot to free the handler from its grip.
The management of the zoo, in a separate statement, provided further details, revealing that the incident occurred when guests arrived after the park’s closing hours. At their request, the zookeeper agreed to showcase the feeding routine. Feeling overconfident, Daule left the safety gate open and proceeded to feed the lion, which led to the deadly attack. “The zookeeper, feeling comfortable with the animal, left the safety gate open and proceeded to feed the lion. He was attacked and killed on the spot,” the statement read.
The zoo management confirmed that the lion was immediately put down to prevent further mutilation of the body. They emphasized that this activity was outside the park’s standard feeding routine and that investigations into the matter have commenced.
